Greg Aplin weighs up Yarrawonga-Mulwala bridge views

By
DAVID JOHNSTON

THE member for Albury Greg Aplin is being lobbied by both sides of the Yarrawonga-Mulwala replacement bridge debate this week as D-Day for a decision on the route nears.

A delegation supporting the green route across Lake Mulwala met Mr Aplin at his Albury office yesterday and the state MP has a meeting planned tomorrow with Corowa Council, which has backed the grey route.

Mr Aplin is under pressure to make a commitment similar to member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy, who recently backed the green route.

The green route delegation followed a meeting last Friday between Mr Aplin and the two state road authorities, VicRoads and NSW Roads and Maritime Services.

But complicating the situation and creating more delay will be unscheduled community consultations from Vic- Roads in the next few weeks.

Mr Aplin said his route preference could be made public before the end of the month.

“My main job has been to make sure there is funding for the bridge when the 2020 deadline comes about,” he said.

“Surely we are at a point now where a definitive route can be chosen.

“But you don’t come out without exploring the various points of view.

“Last Friday was the first time VicRoads has given me anything in the way of a presentation.